Coach in Critical Condition With Breathing Difficulties

Costa Mesa High School basketball Coach Jason Ferguson, who is afflicted with a rare cancer that has forced him to direct his players from a wheelchair, remained hospitalized in intensive care Wednesday with breathing difficulties.

Ferguson, 24 and the youngest head coach in Orange County, was rushed to Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday. His roommate, assistant coach Criss Freeman, summoned paramedics when Ferguson became listless and was having trouble breathing.

Hospital spokeswoman Maureen Mazzatenta said Wednesday that Ferguson was in critical condition. She said the popular coach was conscious but was still having trouble breathing.

This is the latest setback for Ferguson, whose quiet courage and determination in battling the disease have inspired students, faculty and others in the community. Twice last year friends scrambled to make funeral arrangements for the emaciated Ferguson after doctors gave him less than a week to live.

But he battled back both times, beating the odds and astounding his doctors. Assistant Principal Larry Carlson said Ferguson was rolling his wheelchair up and down the gym on Friday, coaching at the Mustangs’ last game (they lost to Estancia, 66-42).

“He’s a remarkable young man. His courage and fortitude have made believers out of us, even when the doctors didn’t think he had a chance,” Carlson said.

Ferguson, who has coached at Costa Mesa High for four years, suffers from Wilm’s tumor, a cancer that started in a kidney and spread to his lungs. The disease occurs most often in children 5 years old or younger and is usually fatal unless detected and treated early.

Although the cancer has left Ferguson penniless and often near death, the dignity he has maintained has served as a learning experience for the students, Carlson said.

Hospital officials said Ferguson is unable to take any phone calls and is allowed few visitors.